BJP, AGP seek action over killing of Rabha tribals

New Delhi, Feb 26: The issue of killing of Rabha tribals in police firing in Assam was raised in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday with BJP member Tarun Vijay demanding a thorough probe into the incident and punishment to the guilty.

The matter was also raised by Assam Gana Parishad member Birendra Prasad Baishya, who demanded a statement from the government.

Vijay said Rabha tribals were brave and patriotic and had contributed enormously in the growth and development of Assam. He described the police action as a blot on democracy.

Vijay, who issued a statement later, said the tribal community was given Rabha Hosang Autonomous Council (RHAC) after a prolonged struggle in 1995.

“Unfortunately, till date, neither the boundary for this autonomous council has been demarcated nor elections to the autonomous council have been held. This has violated the sanctity of government’s assurance to the poor Rabha tribals and shaken their confidence in the democratic institutions,” he said.

Vijay said 34 organisations of Rabha tribals began an agitation this month to demand their democratic rights and oppose panchayat election in a non-violent satyagraha.

The areas under RHAC in Goalpara and parts of Kamrup district witnessed severe violence during the panchayat polls Feb 12, leaving 21 people dead — 14 in police firing and seven in group clashes.

The violence also rendered homeless close to 17,000 people, he said.

Vijay said instructions should be given to the state gvernment to hold elections to the RHAC.

AGP member Kumar Deepak Das said the guilty should be punished at the earliest.